The Aldersgate Group welcomed the vision set out in the EU Commission’s Road to Paris today but urged the EU Council to ensure that its final proposals on emission cuts for 2030 were in line with the “at least 40% domestic target” previously announced. This was key to build an increasingly positive momentum ahead of the Paris climate summit and to help grow the EU’s market share in the low-carbon sector.

Nick Molho, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: “It is often forgotten that Europe’s economic growth, competitive advantage and the health of its job market will be enhanced or undermined according to our response to climate change. Action on climate change isn’t just about preventing significant environmental and economic damage; it’s also about benefiting from the huge commercial opportunities that come with the shift to a low-carbon economy.”

Mr Molho added: “It is critical that the final emission cuts put forward by the EU Council in the coming weeks are in line with its previous decision to cut emissions domestically by at least 40% by 2030. The EU should also make clear at the outset that it is ready, if appropriate, to increase its emission targets in the event of a successful agreement being reached in Paris.”